2 days in Venice before embarkation in Ravenna

Hi, it looks like your hotel is located in Mestre, the industrial part of greater Venice. Take the train onto the island grouping of Venice (shaped like a fish). Be ready for the vaporetto boat buses to be very busy. (Buy your extra tickets at the same time.) Yes, I love Venice and purposely wandering is a wonderful “activity”. Reserve a ticket now to go into St. Marks Cathedral. Leave your backpack, etc. in your hotel room; just wear your crossbody purse & moneybelt under your clothes.

Burano is my favorite extra island to visit because of all of the colorful buildings. Photography is my souvenirs. You may or may not want to take the time to go there. Personally, I’d skip Murano with your short time in Venice.

Suso gelato is my favorite in Venice, and their Manet flavor is amazing!

Of all of the things to do in Venice, one of my favorites is to spend the last evening at an outdoor table at the Florian. Not during the day & not inside. For the cost of one beverage & payment for the small orchestra playing, you can savor the atmosphere of Venice after the day tourists have left with lovely music playing, watch the colors change in the piazza with the setting sun, and see the piazza illuminated by the lights from the buildings - all from a relaxed, unrushed spot at the table. Magical!

Im sure you had your reasons for booking that hotel, but forgive me if I say that it may be an unfortunate choice. Not only are you in Mestre instead of Venice proper, but it looks like you are a good 20 minute walk to the Mestre train station. Which means you will lose a good bit of time at each end of each day getting to and from your hotel, and reducing your sightseeing time.

You can certainly 'wing it' if you just want to wander around the streets. But since you will be there in high season, if you want to see any of the interiors of the Museums or palazzos, I highly recommend getting tickets well in advance. At the very least for St Mark's Basilica and the Doges palace. Have a look at the At a Glance section of the Venice pages in the Explore Europe tab for sightseeing highlights: https://www.ricksteves.com/europe/italy/venice

Decide whether a vaporetto 48 hr pass would be the more economical vs single tickets for each use.

Ride the vaporetto from one end of the lagoon to the other (i.e., Venezia Santa Lucia train station to San Marco square or even further) at dusk so you can see the interior of the illuminated palaces that line the Grand Canal in its full glory but not the decay on the exterior of the buildings.

I wholeheartedly agree with CJean; if your hotel is free cancellation, book something in Venice - inside “the fish shaped perimeter”. I’ve stayed at the Unahotel Hotel Ala my last four times which has no bridges between the vaporetto stop and the hotel. It’s very close to St. Mark’s which maximizes my time where I want to be. For your short time that’s even more critical.

If your hotel is a 20-minute walk, you will spend a minimum of 90 minutes to even get to the first place you want to see, and that’s being optimistic.

If you can’t change hotels, just be okay with it, but don’t waste time. Get up very early and head into Venice & plan to stay all day. Don’t go back early. If you feel tired, stop at an outdoor restaurant in the shade, refresh yourself with a beverage or treat, and stay out late.

Thank you for your insights
Not sure if this makes a difference but I should have clarified that I’m staying at the AC Hotel Venezia by Marriott

I will also book my basilica tickets this weekend
Is Viator a good place to purchase tickets?

Hi again, Viator is just a middleman company. You want the actual website of the place, if possible.

Yes, having the actual name of your hotel makes a big difference. Your hotel is located on the far side of Piazzale Roma, only a very few minutes from the airport bus stop. It will be a 4 minute walk to the nearest vaporetto stop, and a 10 minute walk to the train station.

ALWAYS use the official website whenever booking tickets whenever possible. The one for the Basilica is https://tickets.basilicasanmarco.it/en/store#/en/buy?skugroup_id=5937

Thank you again for helpful insights

I'm glad my hotel is closer than originally expected- (now I see it does make a difference between Hotel Venezia and AC Hotel Venezia, Marriot)
I tried booking Basilica tix today but they do not go on sale until 45 days prior - I will keep a reminder for myself

Have a great day!

Another activity you might like is the clock tower tour. It’s just one hour and very limited number of people. Each floor of the clock tower has stops with details of the clock, special features for holidays & very interesting historical info the guide will share with you. The top level has an excellent view looking towards the water with St. Mark’s on your left. My husband & I did the tour, and a few years later, my oldest adult daughter & I did it. All of us liked it a lot, plus we have some wonderful photos from it. And something extra - you won’t feel crowded as you gaze on the top, outer balcony.

https://torreorologio.visitmuve.it/en/pianifica-la-tua-visita/tickets/

With your limited amount of time, consider not doing any "side trips" . Just stay on the main island and "get lost".

Wandering the back streets is one on of the best things one can do in Venice. So is the advice to have a sit down drink in the evening at one of the places at San Marco that has an orchestra.

Two things you might want to check out:

The Jewish Ghetto (museum might be closed for repair) is quite interesting.

Take the vaporetto to San Giorgio Maggiore across from San Marco. Take the elevator to the top of the bell tower and look back at the city of Venice. Spectacular view.

Happy Hump Day
Only 75 days to go!! Getting pumped

I thank you again for the advice
I did book our tix to Basilica in Venice and Dining Reservations on Ship

Wondering about cell phone
I'm with Verizon
I upgraded my daughter's phone to unlimited WiFi on ship (probably didn't need to, but just so she has no limitations if she decides to use phone alot)
Anyway......... anybody have suggestions on whether I should modify my cell plan for vaca time away or just let it be
I really don's foresee me calling anyone unless an emergency - the only thing I plan on using my phone for is taking pics and staying in touch with my daughter via text if we get separated while in town in port.
I've seen online suggestions going both ways regarding upgrading your cell plan and don't waste your money

Any comments welcomed on this
Ciao all!